Vacancy: Male Academic & Employment Support Workers
Locations: Walbottle / Northumbria University / Newcastle University
Rate of Pay: £12.25 per hour
Contract Type: Zero Hour (Bank)
Hours Available: Between hours per week + additional fixed sessions (detailed below)
Shift Patterns:
* Walbottle/Northumbria University: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8:30am–4:30pm (some flexibility e.g. 9–5).
* Newcastle University: Fixed sessions across teaching weeks (October25 –May 26, details below).
Due to personal care requirements for one of the students, there is a genuine occupational requirement for these roles to be filled by male staff (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9).
About the Roles
We are recruiting for a minimum of two Male Support Workers to provide one-to-one assistance for two PhD students in Computer Science. Each student has different needs, and we are looking for staff who can work flexibly across both roles.
Student A – Walbottle / Northumbria University
You will support a PhD student with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy, primarily at home with occasional campus attendance.
Your role will include:
* Note-taking and study assistance
* Personal care (toileting, feeding)
* Practical support at home and on campus
* Assistance with mobility around campus (taxis, library, carrying books)
* Support with accessing online resources
This is an all-year-round role requiring reliability and a genuine commitment to helping someone achieve their academic and personal goals.
The student has shared a personal statement;
"I am a disabled person and I have a Masters Degree in Computer Science. I was born with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy. Much of my research is focused on identifying solutions to barriers that I have personally faced in my own life. I believe my lived experiences allow me to assess the literature in a more critical manner due to my deeper insight into accessibility than able-bodied researchers."
Student B – Newcastle University
You will support a visually impaired PhD student who is also an IT Teaching Assistant.
Your role will include:
* Guiding him safely around lecture rooms and labs
* Supporting him to identify students requiring help in busy classrooms
* Being present during teaching sessions to provide practical assistance
* Ensuring safe navigation in environments with potential hazards (e.g. wires, steps)
No personal care is required in this role. It would suit someone confident in being present and active in large group/classroom settings.
Scheduled Sessions:
* October–November 2025: Thursdays & Fridays (varied times)
* January–March 2026: Tuesdays 12:30–16:30 & Thursdays 13:30–17:30
* April–May 2026: Tuesdays 12:30–16:30 & Thursdays 13:30–17:30
What We're Looking For
* Male applicants only (genuine occupational requirement)
* Reliable, professional, and supportive
* Comfortable working independently and in busy academic settings
* Strong written and spoken English skills
* Able to provide both academic and/or personal care support, depending on student needs
* Confident in building positive, respectful relationships
Experience in care, education, or support work is helpful but not essential – the right values and attitude are what matter most.
About KEYFORT
We are a multi-disciplinary team including Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Tutors, Psychologists and Specialist Support Staff. Our expertise has grown across education, community, employment and home settings, tailoring support packages to each individual's needs.
Our mission:
"Passionate about working together to provide specialist services. Real people providing real support to make a real difference."
What We Offer
* Work with the same students on a consistent basis
* Paid Enhanced DBS check
* Double pay for bank holiday working
* Access to CPD and training opportunities
* Mentoring and shadowing programme
* Blue Light Card membership (retail discounts)
* Refer-a-friend bonus scheme
* Access to earned wages via staff app (up to 50% in real time)
This is a rare opportunity to support two inspiring PhD students in meaningful, hands-on roles while being part of KEYFORT's supportive and professional team.
KEYFORT Group Ltd are committed to Safeguarding and protecting Adults and Children.
We welcome applications from all areas of the community and welcome the opportunity to find out more about what you could bring to KEYFORT.
Job Types: Part-time, Zero hours contract
Pay: £12.25 per hour
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Employee mentoring programme
* Referral programme
* Store discount
Education:
* Bachelor's (required)
Work Location: In person